Considering Kioti NS6010 HST Cab Over Kubota MX5400 — Looking for Feedback

[drunderw]

Hey everyone — I’m in the final stages of choosing a new compact utility tractor and seriously considering the Kioti NS6010 HST Cab over the Kubota MX5400 HSTC. I’ve test-driven both, gathered quotes, and dug deep into specs and ownership costs — but would really appreciate real-world feedback before I lock in a decision.

Why I’m Considering the Kioti Over the Kubota:

• I actually preferred the cab layout and ergonomics in the Kioti — it felt more modern and intuitive.
• The ground-level fueling, rear hydraulic control, and flat floor were nice touches.
• The dealer experience was excellent — clean shop, knowledgeable rep, and they felt invested in service.
• The 66” grapple they spec’d seems like a better fit than the heavier 72” options that many Kubota dealers push.
• The price is also lower by ~$80/month (Both with insurance, one Kioti, one KTAC), which keeps me under my preferred budget cap.

Concerns or Questions I Still Have About the Kioti:

1. Cab Noise — I measured ~75.5 dB at 2200 RPM, 1 db less than Kubota, but it felt louder/sharper than the Kubota’s 4-cylinder. I have hearing sensitivity/tinnitus, so the sound quality (not just volume) matters. Anyone with long-term experience using the NS6010 in the cab?
2. Linked Pedal Kit — I noticed it wasn’t enabled by default, but the dealer is installing it as part of the package, which is great. Curious how others like its performance, especially in loader work or transport.
3. Rust — I saw some early rust popping through on the loader and frame. The unit is new. Is this common for Kioti? How does their paint and corrosion resistance hold up over time?
4. Insurance — They use Federated Rural Insurance, which has a 5% or $500 min deductible. Anyone filed a claim with this policy? Curious how it compares to something like KTAC (Kubota’s insurance).
5. Long-Term Durability & Resale — I know Kubota has a better track record and resale reputation. Has anyone owned a Kioti long term (5–10 years)? How’s it held up — mechanically, electrically, and resale-wise?

What I’m Comparing Against:

• Kubota MX5400 HSTC – More proven resale value, smoother engine tone, standard linked pedal, and slightly better fit and finish — but also more expensive and not quite as comfortable for me in the cab.

Would Appreciate Your Feedback:

• Current or past Kioti NS6010 owners or Kioti owners in general
• Experiences with cab noise, reliability, dealer support
• Opinions on linked pedal performance, rust resistance, and insurance quality

Thanks so much — this is likely a 15–20 year tractor for me, and I just want to make the best call I can.

 

[MJZ]

Is resale really relevant at 15 to 20 years? I dont bout long term reliability but I would get the one that you would enjoy most while using it. How many hours per year do you expect to run?

 

[drunderw]

Is resale really relevant at 15 to 20 years? I dont bout long term reliability but I would get the one that you would enjoy most while using it. How many hours per year do you expect to run?

My current tractor I’ve put 23 hrs a year on but it often ran hot in the field or had issues so I’d say I’d put 40-60 on the new one. I ask about resale in the event I find it doesn’t work out, mostly because Kioti is an unknown to me. I have a Yanmar 31 hp gray market tractor today.

 

[chim]

What will the tractor be used for?

 

[JeepHead]

Opinions - here's mine.

Korean engineering/manufacturing/materials or Japanese? One is well known for quality and one is known for the opposite. I have owned 3 new Korean cars in my life and will NEVER own another.

I had the same decision to make a year and a half ago. I could spend way less and get a Korean tractor, or spend a bit more and buy a top tier brand. I spoke to a large independent tractor service shop manager and he urged me to stay clear of the Korea tractors. He said he has had lots of issues with them from failed welds, poor quality metal, and has several that had sat for months broken down waiting on parts. That was enough for me.

I tend to follow the old line of ya get what you pay for.

 

[oldtimer 66]

My impression is a visual thing. I only see 6 bolts on the rear wheels. In reference to pickup trucks. A 6 bolt wheel is a .50 ton truck. A 8 bolt wheel is a .75 ton truck. Now this is just my opinion.

 

[drunderw]

What will the tractor be used for?

Some Blueberry farming, gravel 1000' drive maintenance, brush cutting 10 acres, grading/maintaining 400' of dirt road, small brush/tree removal.

 

[TractorNoob85]

I went with Kioti because my dealer is 5 minutes from my house and at the time I was able to get .99% for 84 months.

Going from a Farmall M to a new DK4520 felt pretty damn amazing. I put 60 hrs on it this past year and may put more on this year with projects accumulating. I don't think you can go wrong either way. It's a typical Ford vs Chevy difference of opinions.

My only advice is, get the largest tractor you can afford. I was shopping for a CK, then the dealer presented the DK to me and I'm glad I went with the bigger chassis. I really would have liked an NS but that was out of my price range at the time.

 

[scootr]

2 yrs ago I looked at Kioti tractors when I was thinking about buying a new tractor. I ended up buying a 150 hr used 4 yr old Kubota MX5400 and I'm happy with it plus I saved a bunch of $. My Aunt had a Kubota for 14 yrs and the dealer gave her the same money she paid for it when trading for a new one. Kubota is the top name in small tractors. Reliable, durable, resalable.

 

[Williy]

I would purchase the Yanmar YT359C

YT3 Series

Yanmar

www.buyyanmar.com

willy

 

[JeepHead]

I would purchase the Yanmar YT359C

YT3 Series

Yanmar

www.buyyanmar.com

willy

I really like the Yanmars and wish I had considered them when I was buying. But I am perfectly happy with my Kubota. If I ever buy another tractor, I would definitely look at them.

 

[scootr]

My neighbor bought a fancy new Yanmar 50 hp, cab, all the bells and whistles about the same time I bought a used MX5200.
So far he has bent the loader and a wheel. I've put fuel in my Kubota and $20k in my pocket

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

Can't comment on a kubota from an owners persoective only from a BIL perspective. My BIL has one, and I did/do compare the features of it.

I chose Kioti over other brands as also have a kioti dealer within driving distance, same could be said for JD and Kubota. I researched out what I thought I would need in HP and decided to go midline with the DK45Se. The DKSE's had a 40, 45 and 50 all in the same frame. My understanding was it was the injectors or something like that that gave you the extra umph. I have never felt underpowered.

I have owned it since new for about 12-13 yrs. I have over 750hrs on it. We too do blueberries (among other fruits) but for that though I don't need the kioti, I use a JDf1445 for its front mower agility. I did run the rows and used plastic mulch in the beginning (a mistake, became a fire ant highway).

The kioti is mainly for prepping the garden, front end loader and using the flail mower on our other property that has a lot of growth that tries to come up around our apple trees. I have a little too hefty chisel plow, disc, corn planter, fertilizer spreader, auger, box blade, grapple, powered bucket and the standard bucket and tiller. Tiller far and away gets the most usage of the 3pt tools, followed by the flail mower.

When I looked at BIL's Kuboto 2019 (I think) L3901. I saw the 3 pt sway arms are controlled by a turnbuckle. I also noticed that the 3pt arms are fixed in length.

With my Kioti I can use a post inside a slider bar to move the arms left or right easily and quickly. The 3pt arms have an extension of about 3-4 inches when depressed in the event the attachment isn't exactly lined up. THAT is a really nice feature. I didn't look for nor see a 3pt attachment lift that can allow an operator to while off the seat easily raise and lower the 3 pt arms. Edit: It seems that at least new the MX series has these same features (kubota). Had to go digging around the bota site to confirm. It's probably just a model choice of the bells and whistles on there. I'd say those two things alone should be standard on all tractors.

This was my first new tractor. I came from an old mentality that you had to work on something every time you needed/wanted to use it (like 140's, super A's). I detested the idea of that, I had some $$ hanging around and got what I felt I needed. Had a ford 3000 that was very dependable but no PS.

Since I have owned this kioti, I have only seen one issue that drove me nuts. Turned out to be a relay and I posted about it here and a member gave the the answer, it was a relay (thanks again grsGreat). And I did have to replace the ignition switch after about 3-4 yrs. Easy enough to do as a non mechanic. I do mechanic work on it but from a need to basis vs a want to. I also put in the 3rd function valve so I can use the grapple. I would suggest you get the service manual with whatever you buy. If you plan to work on it at all. Even though my dealer is only a 20 minute drive or so (by tractor) away his wait times can be months. So I end up doing things myself, I work full time (today) so farming is my part time job. I often say I am my wife's unhired helper, she gets credit for the farm.

I haven't seen any issues with rust, bad welds or any of that mentioned. I do keep it in a sheltered area always. Mainly started doing that to protect the seat as the plastic seems to dry rot on most everything plastic now a days.

What would I change about it? I wouldn't mind the seat to be a little more air ride like. I pretty much max out the weight rating on mine (who am I kidding, I easily maxed it out). With that said the ride isn't uncomfortable.

 

[drunderw]

I drove the NS6010 HST cab and really liked it. The dealer was excellent.

I have two Kioti dealers in the running — one is 45 minutes from me, the other about an hour and a half. Both seem solid. The closer one is the largest Kioti service center in the U.S., while the farther one is a family-owned business that actually gave me the better price.

They also had a used Kubota MX5400 HST cab with 99 hours, so I drove it back-to-back with the Kioti. It was surprising how rough the Kubota felt in comparison — though I think that may have more to do with how it was treated. The new Kubota I drove didn’t feel that way. Hopefully it’s more a sign of how the person treated the Kubota than the long-term way it would be.

At this point, I’d pick the Kioti over the Kubota if I had a bit more confidence in two areas: long-term reliability and insurance coverage that works like KTAC. I’m going to think it over tonight and plan to make my decision around 7 AM tomorrow.

 

[DK35vince]

Has anyone owned a Kioti long term (5–10 years)? How’s it held up — mechanically, electrically, and resale-wise?

I've owned my Kioti DK 35 for 24 years. (2530 hours)
It has held up great, still working like new.
Only electrical issue I've ever had was the battery ground cable at the frame needed cleaned once.
Had to replace the original battery at 11 years old (Still running its replacement battery for 13 years now and counting)
I think I had to replace the glow plug timer once years ago (can't remember for sure).

Far as resale, judging by what they ask on tractorhouse.com I betting I can get at or near what I paid for my DK back in 2001. It is in excellent condition.
Overall I've been very pleased with this tractor over the past couple decades.Plan to keep it for decades more.